RETRO: PICTURES: Doncaster's lost restaurants

Darren Burke

They were the places you celebrated family occasions, works parties or simply enjoyed a night with friends.

We've delved back into the Doncaster Free Press archives to find some pictures of a handful of Doncaster's lost restaurants, cafes and places to eat out.

Ian Botham at the Indus

How many of these can you remember from years gone by?

1. THE OLD VIENNA

Situated at the top of Hall Gate, its rustic charm and continental menu was a staple for Doncastrians throughout the 80s. The epitome of a romantic candlelit dinner venue.

2. THE INDUS RESTAURANT

The Indus in Silver Street

Possibly Doncaster's most missed eating out joint - the popular Asian eaterie was a focal point for diners on Silver Street for decades. And cricket legend Ian Botham was a regular there too.

3. CENTRAL PARK

With its simple 'posh burger and fries' philosophy, chances are many of your works Christmas bashes were held at this Bradford Row venue, liberally decorated with Americana in a jazz bar style.

4. BATES'S RESTAURANT

Central Park in Bradford Row

Situated at the top of Hall Gate, traditional fayre was very much the order of the day for this popular eating out venue. The building remains, but the restaurant is long gone.

5. PARTHENON

Its sign is still visible beneath the boarded-up exterior of the ABC Cinema, but this Greek themed eatery, popular for a pre or post movie bite to eat, has been closed on Cleveland Street for many years.

Bate's Restaurant in Hall Gate

Short-lived but fondly remembered by scores of Doncaster "noughties" teens, the restaurant on Bradford Row was a pizza and pasta lover's haven. Now the drinking den Tiki Bar and at one time Owen's bar.

7.HIDE

Another one from the 90s, it was situated on the corner of Wood Street and Cleveland Street where the NYC Burger Bar is now, Many restaurants and bars have populated it in recent years including Tonik and Liberty.

8. THE ROYAL DRAGON

One of Doncaster's biggest and most popular Chinese restaurants in its day, the Nether Hall Road restaurant is now home to the Mezze Bar and Grill.

Others we remember, both cafes and restaurants are the Gingham Kitchen, The Golden Egg, Speedibar and The Vintage Steakhouse.